Smart ring buying guide – which to pick & why

Smart devices are getting smarter… and smaller. Packing many of the best features of a smart watch, a smart ring is an exciting, futuristic and stylish alternative. Many smart ring users tend to also have a smart watch, though. So, should you get the best smart ring and a basic smart watch or the other way around?

Why buy a smart ring

For a time, I struggled to understand the merits of a smart ring. Between my smartphone, smart watch and not-so-smart self, did I really need another device? Turns out, I quite like one even if it’s not really a necessity.

• Size – For a device as physically small and practically weightless, a smart ring is packed with sensors and features. Pound-for-pound, it easily gives you the most tech and smart insights.

• Aesthetics – Even the basic version of most smart rings can add a subtle dash of style to your look. Most also offer a range of optional finish upgrades to suit your individual style.

• Accuracy – Smart watches require a snug fit for accuracy, which can be uncomfortable for some users, particularly when worn for extended periods. I find smart rings much less intrusive despite the snug fit.

• Novelty – While not quite a cutting-edge device today, smart rings are still not as common as many other smart devices. If you appreciate the novelty and the early adopter tag, you will still find that element with a smart ring.

For these reasons, the smart ring is one of my favourite personal tech devices.

Smart ring features to look for

Before we get into the nitty gritty, I’ll share what I feel is the most important thing I learned through my experience of wearing smart rings. It’s that comfort is king.

More than any other smart device, a smart ring will fit on your finger like second skin. So, choose the model and fit that’s best for your anatomy.

Also consider the outside surface. Some smart rings have embellishments or edged surfaces instead of a smooth, circular finish. These engineering and design choices will affect how the smart ring feels to wear all day. Be sure you can work, type, play sports and do all the other things you do every day safely and comfortably.

Other than that, here are the top 5 things that you should consider before buying a smart ring.

1. Tracking – This is perhaps the most common reason to buy a smart ring. Tracking includes sleep, fitness activities and movement. Some smart rings also come with pregnancy and menstruation trackers.

2. Water resistance – A basic smart ring should allow you to at least wear it outdoors in the rain. The best smart rings have the maximum IP68 rating, which allows you to swim in them.

3. Material – Look for hypoallergenic materials whenever you can. Some smart ring manufacturers also give you the option of different finishes, sometimes at a premium.

4. Battery life – If you aren’t wearing it, what’s the point? Choose a good smart ring that charges quickly and has a long battery life. Most last 4-7 days on a  single charge.

5. Subscription – Unlike smartphones and smart watches, many smart rings require a subscription model for you to get the most out of their features. So, the ongoing cost is a consideration.

Best smart rings to buy in Singapore

Here are the best smart rings that you should consider buying in Singapore. (Please note that some smart ring models bought overseas run on subscription services that may not be accessible in Singapore)

1. Ultrahuman Ring AIR

• Weight: 2.4g

• Material(s): Hypoallergenic fighter jet-grade titanium, with tungsten carbide carbon coating

• Battery life: 6 days

• Water resistance: IP58

• Others: 6-axis motion sensor, PPG and temperature sensor, heart rate, HRV, skin temperature, resting HR, SPO2, circadian alignment

Buy now from S$494 on Amazon Lazada

2. RingConn Smart Ring

• Weight: 3-5g (depends on size)

• Material(s): Titanium, non-allergenic interior coating

• Battery life: 7 days

• Water resistance: IP68

• Others: Free lifetime RingConn app subscription; 4 PPG sensors; 3d accelerometer, activity tracking, sleep monitoring, heart rate, HRV, skin temperature, resting HR, SPO2, respiratory rate

Buy now from S$419 on Lazada

3. JAKCOM R5

• Weight: 9g

• Material(s): Ceramic

• Battery life: <7 days

• Water resistance: IP56

• Others: Program up to 6 RFID cards (bank, condo access, etc); 128GB flash disk storage with wireless transfer;

Buy now from S$77 on Amazon Lazada

4. Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon

• Weight: 4-6g (depends on size)

• Material(s): Titanium

• Battery life: Up to 7 days

• Water resistance: 100m

• Others: Track 20 biometrics, including sleep, activity, stress, heart rate and more with the Oura Membership (first month free)

Buy now from S$425 (+ Delivery) on Amazon

5. Circular Ring Slim

• Weight: 2.2g

• Material(s): Aluminium & carbon fibre exterior, medical grade non-allergenic, non-metallic interior

• Battery life: Up to 5 days

• Water resistance: IP68

• Others:

Buy now from S$300 on Circular

6. KEREEP 2301a-10

• Weight: 2.2g

• Material(s): Titanium

• Battery life: 7 days

• Water resistance: IPX8

• Others: Auto sleep tracking, HR monitor, SPO2, HRV, menstrual cycle, pregnancy mode, Google Fit sync; 6-axis sensor, PPG sensor

Buy now from S$249 on Amazon

7. Nova Smart

• Weight: ~4g

• Material(s): Titanium alloys

• Battery life: 7 days

• Water resistance: IP68

• Others: 24 types of sports tracking, sleep tracking, HR monitor, SPO2, HRV, skin temperature

Buy now from S$150 on Lazada 

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